Actions of BW540C in an equine model of acute inflammation: a preliminary study

An equine model of acute non-immune inflammation has been developed to facilitate studies of the inflammatory process and the actions of novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Five polyester sponge strips soaked in sterile 2% carrageenin solution were placed in subcutaneous pouches prepared under local anaesthesia in the necks of conscious ponies. Serial removal of the strips and harvesting of the exudate enabled studies to be made of the cellular, biochemical and mediator aspects of the localised, acute inflammation, and the heat generated by the lesion was monitored by infra-red thermometry. Maximal concentrations of the eicosanoids 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4 occurred at 9 h, whereas leukocyte numbers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total protein concentrations were greatest at 24 h. Lesional skin temperature was increased by approximately 4 degrees C throughout the 24 h period. The novel anti-inflammatory agent BW540C, administered orally at a dose-rate of 20 mg/kg, did not affect leukocyte infiltration or the concentrations of protein, LDH and eicosanoids in exudate but serum thromboxane B2 levels were reduced. Skin temperature rises were greater in drug-treated animals. It is concluded that higher doses of BW540C will be required for a clinically useful anti-inflammatory action in horses.     

A pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study with vedaprofen in an equine model of acute nonimmune inflammation

The pharmacodynamics and enantioselective pharmacokinetics of vedaprofen were studied in six ponies in a two period cross-over study, in which a mild acute inflammatory reaction was induced by carrageenan soaked sponges implanted subcutaneously in the neck. Vedaprofen, administered intravenously at a dosage of 1 mg/kg, produced significant and prolonged inhibition of ex vivo serum thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) synthesis and short-lived inhibition of exudate prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and TXB₂ synthesis. Vedaprofen also partially inhibited oedematous swelling and leucocyte infiltration into exudate. Vedaprofen dis-played enantioselective pharmacokinetics, plasma concentrations of the R(–) enantiomer exceeding those of S(+) vedaprofen. The plasma concentration ratio, R:S, increased from 69: 31 at 5 min to 96: 4 at 3 h and plasma mean AUC values were 7524 and 1639 ng.h/mL, respectively. Volume of distribution was greater for S(+) vedaprofen, whilst elimination half-life (t_½β) and mean residence time were greater for R(–) vedaprofen. The penetration of vedaprofen into inflammatory exudate was also enantioselective. For R(–) and S(+) veda-profen maximum concentration (C_max) values were 2950 and 1534 ng/mL, respectively, and corresponding AUC values were 9755 and 4400 ng.h/mL. Vedaprofen was highly protein bound (greater than 99%) in both plasma and exudate. The significance of these data for the therapeutic use of vedaprofen is discussed.     

Some biochemical parameters for qualification of bull semen

Summary

Since the macroscopical and microscopical examination of bull semen does not in all cases appear to give conclusive indications concerning the fertilizing capacity, an investigation of some biochemical parameters was undertaken. It was shown that the following biochemical examination could furnish some more information about the quality of the semen: 1. Determination of the phenylalanine‐ α‐ketoglutarate transaminase activity both in the seminal plasma and in the whole semen. A high transaminase activity in the plasma points to leakage out of the spermatozoa, thus indicating an affection of the spermatozoa. In that case larger amounts of basic amino acids and of leucine were often found in the seminal plasma than would normally be observed.

2. Gas chromatographic examination of the steroids occurring both in the seminal plasma and in the spermatozoa. In a number of infertile bulls small peaks of progesterone were found together with those of other, unidentified compounds.

3. Investigation of the carbohydrate metabolism in the semen. In a number of fertile bulls the following deviations were found: a. the presence of quite a lot of fructose in the spermatozoa;

b. the presence of glucuronic acid and / of other foreign compounds in the spermatozoa or in the plasma;

c. an elevated pH in the seminal plasma some 2 to 3 hours after ejaculation;

d. a low phenylalanine‐α ‐ketoglutarate transaminase activity in the whole semen (the spermatozoa had been disrupted by freezing).

4. Investigation of the presence of reducing aldehydes (glycolaldehyde and glyceraldehyde) inside the spermatozoa.

The determinations mentioned under 1, 3c and 3d can easily be carried out in the laboratories of each District Animal Health Service and of the A.I. stations; the same is true of the occurrence of amino acids in the seminal plasma and of fructose and aldehydes inside the spermatozoa if facilities are available for electrophoresis and chromatography.     

Pseudorabies virus infection in hunting dogs in Oita,Japan: Report from a prefecture free from Aujeszky’s disease in domestic pigs

We isolated two pseudorabies virus (PRV) isolates (designated OT-1 and OT-2) from two hunting dogs exhibiting neurological manifestations after eating the flesh of wild boar hunted in Oita prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan. The isolates corresponded to a previously reported PRV (MY-1 strain) isolated from a hunting dog in neighboring Miyazaki prefecture, and it clustered into genotype II based on the glycoprotein C sequence. Our results suggest that this common PRV strain may have been maintained in wild boars on Kyushu Island even though domestic pigs in this area have attained an Aujeszky’s disease-free status.     

A pathological study of an enzootic paradontal disease of mature sheep

Extract

Paradontal disease is a general name applied to disease processes involving the tissues which surround teeth. Anatomically, these tissues (see Fig. 1) ; comprise the gum margin, the gingival crevice or sulcus, and the epithelial attachment and subgingival epithelium. Diseases of these tissues are .termed marginal gingivitis. Next is the bony alveolus lined by the periodontal membrane which serves both as periostium to the alveolus and cement layer of the tooth, and, by virtue of fibrous bands, as an anchor for the tooth in the alveolus. Disease processes in this membrane are termed periodontitis or paradenitis. When the alveolar hone is involved, the appropriate name, is given—e.g., alveolar ostitis, which is commonly, rarefying (alveolar atrophy), or osteomyelitis. For all practical purposes, these paradontal tissues may be considered as a single unit, as a disease process originating in any one of these tissues invariably involves the others, either, simultaneously or consecutively, resulting in general involvement of all the paradontal tissues in the condition often called alveolar pyorrhoea.     

Relationship among ovarian follicular status,developmental competence of oocytes,and anti‐Müllerian hormone levels: A comparative study in Japanese wild boar crossbred gilts and Large White gilts

The aim of this study was to investigate the ovarian follicular development, developmental competence of oocytes, and plasma anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels of Japanese wild boar crossbred (wild hybrid) gilts, whose litter size is inferior to that of European breeds. Ovary and plasma samples were collected from two different breeds of gilts (wild hybrid and Large White breeds). The ovaries from the wild hybrid gilts had a lower average numbers of secondary follicles and vesicular follicles in ovarian cross‐sections and of good quality oocytes collected from ovarian follicles as compared with those from Large White gilts (p < 0.05). The development rate to the blastocyst stage of good quality oocytes after in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture was also lower (p < 0.05) in wild hybrid gilts than in Large White gilts. Plasma AMH levels with >0.16 ng/ml were detected in 8.3% of the examined wild hybrid gilts and 33% of the Large White gilts. These results indicate that the low reproductive performance of wild hybrid breed may result in part from low numbers of vesicular follicles and good quality oocytes, and low developmental competence of oocytes. Moreover, plasma AMH levels may support low number of vesicular follicles in ovaries of wild hybrid gilts.     

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of important pig viral diseases in Bhutan

A cross-sectional serological study was conducted in Bhutan between October 2011 and February 2012 to determine the prevalence of antibodies to classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), swine influenza virus (SIV) subtype H1N1 and Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV). Furthermore, risk factors for the seropositive status were investigated.     

A preliminary study of the role of ducks in the transmission of Newcastle disease virus to in-contact rural free-range chickens

The role of ducks in the transmission of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to free-range village chicken was investigated experimentally. Newcastle disease (ND) seronegative ducklings reared in a pen were infected oronasally with velogenic NDV of intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) 1.8 isolated from outbreaks in village chickens in Uganda. A first group of 3-week-old ND seronegative chicks was mixed with the ducks and they were kept together for 7 days. Both ducks and chicks were observed for ND clinical signs and any mortality, and they were bled and their sera were tested for ND antibodies by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The chicks were removed, euthanized and examined for any ND lesions, while the ducks were transferred to a fresh pen and a second group of chicks was introduced and observed and treated as above. The ducks and the chicks tested positive for ND antibodies 7 days post infection and contact, respectively, but showed no clinical signs, post-mortem lesions or mortality. The mean ND antibody titre of the second group of chicks was lower than for the first group. This study has shown that although ducks can be infected with velogenic NDV, they do not show clinical signs but are able to transmit NDV to in-contact chicks. Further investigations are needed of the lack of clinical signs in the in-contact chicks and how long the ducks remain infective.     

The use of acupuncture beads to control exuberant granulation tissue in equine skin wounds: A preliminary study

Skin lacerations on the hind legs of horses often cause large defects on the cranial surface of the hock and cannon regions. The treatment of these present significant logistic problems due to the amount of movement of the area and the difficulties of bandaging and immobilisation, as well as a tendency to form exuberant granulation tissue (or ‘proud flesh’) Acupuncture beads were used as a means of suppressing granulation and maximising epithelial ingrowth, using the principle that ‘acupuncture has been shown to help bring the body back towards normality’. The aim in these cases was healing of the skin lesions with the least effort and cost possible. The technique eliminated the need for resection of any granulation tissue after the beads were implanted, the amount of bandaging was drastically reduced and eliminated in a lot of cases, and the results were cosmetically very acceptable and functional. Digital photography and measurements of the changes in the size of the lesions were used to document the results. This study shows that the formation of exuberant granulation tissue or ‘proud flesh’ in equine skin wounds on the cranial surface of the hock and cannon bone can be controlled by a single acupuncture bead treatment. Long‐term follow‐up of the cases over 18+ months confirms the ongoing effects of the acupuncture beads, resulting in the completion of wound healing and reduction of fibrosis.     

Community-based population monitoring for large baleen whales: the case study of Bryde's whale in Beibu Gulf of China

Citizen science is a popular method for the long-term monitoring of the distribution of wild animals. The application of these methods in different species and environments still poses challenges, especially for aquatic animals. In this study, we investigated the distribution of the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Beibu Gulf of China by using scientific boat-based surveys and citizen science approaches using 2 different methods of data collection. First, we built our mobile app (Whale Guard) and installed it on fishermen's phones. Second, we used a popular instant messaging app (WeChat) to create an online fisherman community. We found that the mobile phone app collected far fewer reports (5 reports) than the online community group (42 reports, P < 0.01). By using a variety of incentives, we maintained the fisherman's community's activity without significant user loss (P < 0.01). We also found that the locations collected by social media applications in this study were consistent with observations from scientific boat-based transect surveys. The sightings distribution of Bryde's whales differed from those in previous surveys in that they were present across larger areas. Social media apps reported that 69% of reports was confirmed by more than one person, whereas Whale Guard reports were much lower (0, P <0.001). Community-based citizen science can greatly contribute to the long-term monitoring of Bryde's whales, and it has successfully overcome the challenges of data accessibility, accuracy, and fragmentation. Our study shows how to appropriately use citizen science in different community groups and community-based approaches make them useful for large baleen whale surveys.     

Use of biodegradable urethane-based adhesives to appose meniscal defect edges in an ovine model: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biological response to two urethane-based adhesives used to repair full thickness meniscal wounds created in the partially vascularised (red-white) zone. DESIGN: An ovine bilateral meniscal defect model was used to evaluate the initial biological response of the meniscal cartilage and synovium over a 1-month period. A 10-mm full-thickness defect was created in the medial meniscus of each femorotibial joint. The defects were either left untreated or repaired using the urethane-based adhesives. Synovial fluid, synovial membrane and the meniscal cartilages were retrieved at necropsy for cytological and histological assessment. RESULTS: The ovine model proved to be a suitable system for examining meniscal repair. Untreated defects showed no tissue apposition or cellular healing response, whereas all eight defects repaired with the two urethane-based adhesive formulations showed signs of repair and tissue regeneration with indications of cell infiltration and new collagen deposition in and around the polymer. No adverse cellular response to the adhesives was observed in the meniscal defect or in the synovial membrane and fluid. CONCLUSION: Trauma to the knee commonly results in tears to the meniscal cartilage, with the majority of these occurring in the partially vascularised (red-white) or non-vascularised (white) zones of the meniscus. Repair, and subsequent healing, of these tears is poor because of the reduced vascularity and limited surgical access. The present data indicate that an ovine model is a suitable system for examining meniscal repair, and that development of urethane-based adhesives offers a strategy that may be clinically effective for the treatment of these injuries.     

Perceptions of transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus in veterinary cardiology and evaluation of a canine model to simulate device placement: a preliminary study

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a canine patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) model developed for practicing device placement and to determine practices and perceptions regarding transcatheter closure of PDA from the veterinary cardiology community.

A pilot study: sodium urate synovitis as an acute model of inflammatory response using objective and subjective criteria to evaluate arthritic pain in cats

Sodium urate (SU) synovitis was evaluated as a model for feline arthritic pain using a placebo‐ and positive‐controlled (meloxicam) randomized blinded controlled single crossover design. Monosodium urate crystals [20 mg (1 mL) rod‐shaped] were injected into alternate stifles of trained anesthetized cats (n = 3) with a 28 day washout. During the first trial phase, two cats received meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg, PO), a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), for three days before and on the day of SU injection; the third cat received placebo. Treatments and stifles were switched for the second trial. Total force, contact pressure and area of the fore and hind limbs were measured using a pressure mat one day and 0.5 h before, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, and 30 h post‐SU injection. Skin temperature, joint circumference, analgesia, lameness, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, were measured at the same times. Comparisons were made for each time and for areas under the curve (AUC) using original and change from baseline; P < 0.05 was significant. Significant differences in force mat data and subjective data were found for the hind limb data (total force and total contact pressure at 6, 10, and 30 h; analgesia and VAS for pain at 4 h; lameness at 10, 24, and 30 h) and for AUC₀→_24h and AUC₀→_30h (total force, total contact pressure, and mean lameness score) and for differences from BL AUC₀→_10h (total contact area) and AUC₀→_24h (total contact area and mean lameness score) and AUC₀→_30h (total force, total contact area, and mean lameness). No cats required rescue analgesia. Injection of 1 mL of monosodium urate into the stifle of a cat causes moderate transitory pain and was suitable for assessing analgesic efficacy of an NSAID with a pressure mat and subjective criteria.